HoA-REC&N Awarded Prestigious LEED®Gold Green Building Certification

LEED Certified HoA-REC&N's HQs building
LEED Certified HoA-REC&N’s HQs building

HoA-REC&N has received the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)®Gold Green Building Certification from the US Green Building Council in the United States. Receiving the certification on 16 March 2017, HoA-REC&N’s HQs became the first Ethiopian LEED Certified building.

HoA-REC&N achieved LEED certification for its sustainable site, water and energy efficiency, environmental-friendly construction materials and indoor environmental quality. The building can achieve, amongst others, up to 53% in energy saving, and its plumbing fixtures can provide up to 45% reduction in total water use. Over 95% of its regularly occupied spaces have access to views to the outside, while 20% percent of its construction materials came from local sources such as adobe bricks and eucalyptus.

95% of HoA-REC&N building's regularly occupied spaces have access to views to the outside
95% of HoA-REC&N building’s regularly occupied spaces have access to views to the outside

LEED is the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings, with around 1.86 million square feet being certified daily. Projects pursuing LEED Certification earn points across several areas that address sustainability. Based on the number of points achieved, a project receives one of the four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

HoA-REC’s process of applying for LEED certification started in February 2013 at the request of the then Executive Director of HoA-REC&N, Dr. Araya Asfaw. It is believed that this LEED Green building Award to HoA-REC&N will inspire and encourage building design and construction industries in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa to aspire for more environmentally-friendly approach.

LEED Certified HoA-REC&N's HQs building
LEED Certified HoA-REC&N’s HQs building

By using less energy and water and making use of environmentally-friendly materials, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers. They can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.